The 7th Tourism World International Commercial/Agro-Tourism Conference and Awards held at the Aguiyi Ironsi Conference Hall, Umuahia, Abia State held on Friday, 26th September 2025 brought together stakeholders from across the tourism and hospitality spectrum to chart a new course for the industry.
The conference, with the theme “Tourism: A Viable Tool for Unlocking Socioeconomic Growth, Community Prosperity and Inclusive Opportunities”, highlighted the critical role of standards in shaping the future of tourism in Abia State and the South-East region at large.
Delivering the keynote address, Professor Wasiu Babalola, Professor of Hotel Management & Tourism at Atiba University Oyo, Nigeria and the Chairman of the SON National Technical/Mirror Committee on Tourism and Related Services, emphasized that standards remain the backbone of a sustainable and competitive tourism industry.
According to him, “Without well-defined and enforced standards, tourism services risk being inconsistent, unreliable, and uncompetitive in the global marketplace.
By prioritizing standards, Abia State and the entire southeast region can position itself as a hub of quality hospitality and tourism, capable of attracting both domestic and international tourists.”
Prof. Babalola stressed that standards must cover all facets of the tourism value chain; from accommodation, food safety, and customer service, to destination management, eco-tourism practices, and safety protocols.
He urged operators and regulators in Abia State to work hand in hand with relevant agencies, government and the Technical / Mirror Committee in developing, adopting, and implementing these standards when such are made available and in alignment with international best practices.
Among other dignitaries in attendance was Honorable Mathew Ekwuruibe, the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Abia State, who reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the tourism sector as a key driver of economic diversification, job creation, and cultural preservation.
He noted that the Abia State government through his ministry embarked in taking inventory of the tourism sites and assets of the state, and now proceeding to their development and commercialization. He used the opportunity to invite the private sector in partnering with the State on the projects.
Also, present was the Chairman of the Abia State Hotel Association, Mr Charles Ezeala, who pledged the readiness of hoteliers and other stakeholders to embrace and implement the evolving standards to strengthen service delivery and guest experiences.
In his remarks, Mr. Uwakwe Solomon, Founder and Executive Director of De World Tourism International, the organiser of the programme, stated that the conference was designed to provide a platform for dialogue, socioeconomic development knowledge sharing, collaboration among stakeholders and public-private sector project initiatives.
He added that tourism is a developmental tool. This is why World Tourism International continues to champion programmes that set the agenda for service quality, tourism development, standards, and inclusiveness.
Abia State and the South-East have immense potentials, but only through adherence to global best practices can we fully unlock the economic and cultural benefits of tourism.”
The conference drew participation from hotels, travel agencies, tour operators, creative industries, cultural custodians, agro-tourism enthusiasts, non-governmental organization executives, international facilitators, and tourism regulators across Abia State and other South-East states, demonstrating the united front necessary for repositioning tourism as a viable economic driver.
Major Iheanyichukwu Sunday, Founder of Do Good Foundation for Widows and Needy which provided on the spot health check service and first aid back up during the conference applauded the keynote presentation and opined that adhering to standards will make the world a safer place.
Prof. Babalola concluded his keynote with a call to action, stating that standards are not merely about compliance; they are about building trust, creating value, and ensuring that every visitor to Abia State departs with a memorable, high-quality experience.
The Tourism World International Commercial/Agro-Tourism Conference and Awards is an annual gathering convened by “De World Tourism International” geared towards promoting sustainable tourism/hospitality and infrastructural-development, advancing the role of tourism as a driver of socioeconomic growth, cultural preservation, and inclusive opportunities across Nigeria and beyond.
